The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-01-22

sixteen years old Extraordinary that tn,
testator should not have changed his view
in sixteen years"
Mr.. Bold glanced up at Captain Ros
setter as he spoke; but the latter either haG
nothing to say, or 2 did not choose tC
commit himself to an opinion. He re
manned silent and Mr.. Bold, instinctively
mistrusted him the more on account of his
reticence.
"By this will, made sixteen years ago.
said the lawyer, meaningly, "the testatol
left every thing he possessed to his daught-
er, and appointed you sole executor and
trustee and guardian of his child"
The lawyer looked keenly at his CON-
panion as he made this announcement, and
felt puzzled at his demeanor. The Cap
tain hung his head for moment, and then
blew his nose violently, One would almost
have imagined that he was sentimentally
affected by the news. But the lawyer,
being in suspicious mood, was chiefly
struck by the fact that Captain Rosseter
studiously avoided meeting his gaze.
II suppose the young lady, Miss Ire
mayne, is alive" inquired Mr.. Bold.
"Yes," answered the Captain.
"She must be nearly grown up" con-
tinued Mr.. Bold.
The Captain nodded, but seemed by his
manner to wish to change the subject.
Mr.. Bold noticed this at the time, and
thought a good deal about it afterwards.
"Of course, Captain Rosseter," said
Mr.. Bold, in his most convincing and au-
thoritative tone, "you will not take upon
yourself the responsibility thrust upon you
by this will, which, no doubt, was never
intended to stand.
"Why do you say that ?" inquired the
Captain, rather quickly.
"Well, frankly, Captain Rosseter, be-
tween you and me, do you consider that
you are fitted to be a young lady's guar
dian? Excuse my outspokenness," added
the lawyer, endeavoring to soften his re-
marks by smiling and showing his false
teeth; "but really, now, would you in the
testator's place
"Any how, there is the will, interposed
Captain Rosseter, evidently not liking the
insinuation.
"Yes, here is the will, but 1 should GER
'tainly advise you-te wash your hands4of
it," said Mr. Bold, in a fatherly manner.
''What 1 propose to do is to pay the
mouey-by the way, I suppose there is
money!"
81 suppOae SO" said the Captain, with
real or affected carelessness.
"Pay the money into court and get a
legal guardian appointed resumed Mr..
Bold, with cheerful confidence. "You will
thus be relieved of all responsibility and
trouble"
The captain, #AAs- -AaA become very red
and uncomfortable, made no answer TO ri sliss =
suggestion, but stretched out his hand and
took up the will. He read it through
carefully, and then proceeded to fold it up.
II am entitled to have this, suppose,
he said, almost defantly.
"Well-er-yes, in strictness,' replied
Mr.. Bold, completely taken back. "Butit
has to be proved and deposited in the Pro
bate Court"
ayes, 1 know" replied the Captain,
rising from his seat, and thrusting the doc
ument in his pocket.
cam 1 to understand, gasped Mr.. Bold,
turning crimson, "that you propose to en-
ploy your own solicitor?''
II have solicitor" said the Captain,
shortly "Good day to you, Mr.. Bold.
"Stay! Stay sirI' exclaimed Mr.
Bold, endeavoring to control his indigna-
ton, which almost choked him. 81 must
trouble you to give receipt for the doc
ument."
"By all means" said the Captain, who
seemed to have recovered his assurance.
The lawyer struck the hand-bell upon
his table sharply, and with forced calmness
instructed Whitaker to prepare the ne
cessary receipt This formality being com
pleted, the Captain strobe out of the office
leaving the lawyer and his clerk staring al
one another in speechiess indignation.
''The man is rogue' said Mr.. Bold
as soon as he could speak.
aMeans to collar the money" remarked
the clerk.
oNot if 1 can help it' exclaimed Mr.
Bold, with unusual energy. "Ill apply tt
the court Immediately, and have the man
removed from his office.
0You will have to get evidence first,
said Whitaker, prudently.
"Pooh his reputation will be suf
Gcient," returned Mr.. Bold, impatiently.
However, when he came to make in
quiries about Captain Rosseter-which he
proceeded to do forthwith in the heat o.
his virtuous indignation-he found it more
difficult than he had imagined to convict
him of serious misconduct. The Captain
had led the life Of man about town, bac
had numerous transactions with the money
lending fraternity, had played high anc
drunk pretty freely, and there were darl
corners in his career which would not, per
haps, have stood the test of sensorious in
vestigation. But there was no recorded
act of his that could be pointed out as dis
graceful or dishonorable. To Mr.. Boldi
secret vexation, he found that people were
inclined to judge the Captain leniently, to
speak lightly of his faults, and to lay stres
unon his oood nature. his easy penerosity